Late late show at Mourneview as NI make history in Euros

McDaniel strike five minutes from time seals point for Wylie's teenagers.

Louise McDaniel celebrates
Published 12th Aug 2017
Last updated 12th Aug 2017

Northern Ireland are off and running in the Women’s Under 19 Euro Championships.

Alfie Wylie’s young side showed a never-say-die attitude to hold Scotland to a 1-1 draw at a near-packed Mourneview Park in Lurgan.

Super sub Louise McDaniel grabbed a late equaliser to secure Northern Ireland’s first point of the campaign and leave them third in the group.

Wylie was full of praise for his team’s battling spirit.

“They never gave up,” he told Downtown & Cool FM. “I am very proud of them. They’ve done everyone proud. We could have won it in the end.”

A 1771-strong crowd turned up to see history being made.

McDaniel struck just five minutes from time to send the supporters into raptures.

It was the first goal and first ever point in a major tournament for a NI women’s team.

After the game she could not hide her delight.

“I couldn’t believe it when it went in – I was just over the moon when it did,” she said.

“I could not have done this without my coaches – all of the hard work has paid off.

“I hope any young girl out there watching really enjoyed the game and be encouraged to come out there and take part”.

Next up for Wylie’s side is Germany who have already qualified for the semis.

The game takes place at the Ballymena Showgrounds on Monday while Scotland play Spain at Mourneview.

Both Northern Ireland and Scotland need to win to have any chance of going through to the next stage.